We have spoken with Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, and his Culture team. They are keen to get the Streatham Space Project up and running again with a new operator. They will be talking with the developer of the London Square site, and with Theatres Trust.
We have offered input and advice from Streatham’s skilled and experienced arts practitioners in SAC, to help with the selection process, and to engage with the operator(s). It would make sense to appoint an operator with a track record in the necessary capabilities to take on the space.
It is important that any new operator is able to meet the needs of local audiences and commercial users, as well as those of community groups wanting to make use of the space for their activities (at reasonable rates). And, of course, the space needs to be financially sustainable. SAC can help here too!
Theatres Trust can also provide support and advice to Lambeth and operators, and are happy to help SAC in our campaign too.
We have asked Lambeth to ensure that the premises and its equipment are looked after during the period of closure, to ensure they do not deteriorate and nothing is removed by anyone. Lambeth have told us that the developer is to carry out some remedial works while the space is closed. There is also an acoustic issue to be resolved involving leakage of bass noise from the premises.
We have also asked that “meanwhile use” of the premises should be made available, while an operator is found. For example, to host Streatham Festival events, as well as others. This would help local groups, and help protect the premises and equipment. SAC is happy to facilitate this.
